Even Though It’ll Be Insipid, VERSUS Needs to Start Covering the Draft

We all hate “Hockey Central”. This is a known fact. But how can we take VERSUS seriously as a network if they refuse to send anyone to the NHL Draft?

It’s simply one of the steps that the network needs to take. After the jump are a few ways to make it happen.

This is one of the things that would work so well if John Davidson were still around. He would be the perfect person to lead VERSUS coverage of the draft. Still, Bill Patrick, Keith Jones and Brian Engblom are not to be seen at the draft. They are to stay in the studios in Stamford, Connecticut and provide their occasional worthless analysis. Instead, send Mike Emrick to host the network’s studio from the draft. A 3-and-a-half hour telecast with no actual game action is the perfect place for Doc to wax poetic about past drafts and all the stuff that makes him great, but kind of gets in the way of play-by-play occasionally.

As for his analysts? Eddie Olczyk for one, because he’s at everything, and clearly through the telecasts has shown a knowledge of the American junior hockey system. The problem is, a lot of VERSUS guys don’t seem like real prospect-knowledgeable guys. A Daryl Reaugh probably wouldn’t fit here, unless he wants to make fun of the 18-year olds and their dumb hairstyles and lack of fashion sense (I suggest picking Wrap for this instead).

In that case, use Neil Smith, as well as another recent former GM. Doug MacLean isn’t doing too much. They’ll provide insight into draft day, and likely have some inside sources about picks and potential trades. Also, Bob Harwood and Chris Simpson working the floor are a must for an event like this. Simpson’s poor fashion sense and awkward question seems like a match made in Heaven for the Draft.

VERSUS would probably cite this as a huge undertaking. I mean it’s a whole production truck, six on air personalities, and maybe five to six stationary cameras with a few handhelds for interviews. That in addition to the current set up at Hockey Central. Translation: this would not be that hard. But whatever, I’ll take my annual dose of Bob McKenzie when I can.